Leeds United were, undoubtedly, provided with value for money after signing Raphinha in the summer of 2020. However, it is not just the Whites who have reaped the rewards of his development.
During his first season in English football, the 25-year-old remarkably registered 15 direct goal contributions while adapting to his new surroundings and would win a first call-up to the Brazil national team.
Raphinha became an even more pivotal figure at Elland Road last season despite a dip in team performance level. He scored 11 goals and, almost single-handedly, provided Leeds with the inspiration to mount a successful battle against relegation.
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Following two campaigns that were jam-packed with individual success, it was inevitable that some of the world's biggest clubs would come calling. Chelsea and Arsenal were both linked with moves to keep Raphinha in England, but Barcelona proved to be his desired destination.
Registering two goals and two assists in 13 La Liga outings, the former Rennes star has enjoyed a respectable start to life in Catalonia against a backdrop of financial disaster and fan disapproval.
Subsequently, Raphinha was named in Brazil's squad for the ongoing World Cup in Qatar and provided with the opportunity to enhance an impressive international record of five goals in 11 appearances.
After he netted a brace on debut just over a year ago, head coach Tite went on record to thank former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa for improving Raphinha's standard of performance.
He said: "I publicly thank Bielsa for accompanying and working with Raphinha and all the coaching staff that brought him closer to the national team.
“I spoke personally with Bielsa, and I thank him for that support with him.”
Raphinha is likely to figure in Brazil's World Cup opener against Serbia at Lusail Stadium this evening.
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